Monday, February 27, 2012

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Starsby John Green
Published: January 10, 2012 by Dutton Juvenile
Received: on loan from a friend :)

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind. {goodreads.com}

As soon as I mentioned to others that I was beginning to read this novel, I received the same piece of advice from just about every one who had already read it: have tissues on hand. I thought, yeah ok. Usually when an abundance of people tell me a book made them cry, it has the opposite effect on me. Meaning, yes I'll find it sad, but my tear ducts will be on anticipation and won't fully let go. I was wrong. The tears came, and they came hard. So hard I forgot I was even reading and felt myself submerged in to the pain of these fictional characters. THAT is some powerful writing.

Hazel is a teenager, dying from terminal cancer. I say that she is dying and not living because this is how her character is introduced to us in the beginning of the story. Her world is nothing but hospital stays, breathing tubes, and sorrowful glances her way. Hazel's parents are not in denial of her situation, but they also want the best life possible in these final days. It's her mom who encourages her (insists actually) to attend a support group for other children with cancer. Not wanting to, but doing so anyway, Hazel is physically present for the support group meeting, but mentally she has checked out. It's not until the presence of Augustus Waters that Hazel begins to really wake up. Her once hazy world of tubes and needles begins to fall away, and she starts to really live her best days yet.

Augustus has become a victim to the world of cancer, too. But his battle has been won and he is attending the support group as a friend to Isaac, another character who I immediately fell in love with. Between Hazel, Augustus, and Isaac I found myself in awe of the bravery, yet the realism that each of these characters portray. The dialect among them is true to John Green fashion, witty and sarcastic, with those one liners thrown in that make you stop what you're reading and mark the page. His ability to capture such meaningful moments with just a few words has always intrigued me. John Green is a master at crafting this perfection.

My love for this story is infinite. I felt so connected with the characters that when things happened, I felt as though they were happening to me too. This novel takes the reader to a special place; one that is heavy and haunting, yet beautiful and surprising. I feel like a different person after experiencing this story. It's books like these that remind me why I adore literature so much. The impact they leave on you is so limitless that you start to look at your own world in a different light. Life is short, what we do with it is our own personal choice, but the opportunities can be endless if we allow them to be.

This book deserves a million more stars than what I am giving it. I hope you all will read this one and allow yourself the pleasure of meeting such significant characters among an emotional and inspiring story.

Wow. I REALLY can't wait to pick this up! I've heard endless things about TFIOS and how awesome John Green is, so I can't wait to finally pick up one of his novels and begin with this lovely-epic-tearoverload-emotional-inspiring read! *wipes tears* I wan't to read it (oh boy oh boy, do I ever) but I think I need to squeeze in a few more fun reads before this one, since alot of the books I've been reading lately have been sad. But I promise I WILL read this soon. Oh, and lovely, lovely review Ginger! Alot of people had trouble getting their feelings about this book onto paper and you have sone a splendid job.

I'm so scared to read this one! I feel like I should because of all the 5-star reviews I'm reading, but I hate crying and I hate reading about people who are sad/suffering. This book is like a triple whammy! I love your review, though. :) Great job! I may be brave one day...

I feel like these reading these reviews is almost funny now b/c literally Every. Single. Review. says something like "best book ever written" or "I would give it a million stars if I could." I have it in my book bag right now and, even though I feel like I already know the whole story, I still can't wait to read it :)

Great review, Ginger <3 I went to a John Green event and book signing recently, and even though I had never read anything he's written, or seen any of the Vlog Brothers videos (up until that evening), I was immediately taken by how raw and real he is. He read a chapter to the audience and I just knew TFiOS would be life-changing.

I still haven't read it, because my Uncle Jim died of cancer last February and I just don't feel ready, but I think it will be my next read.

I haven't read this yet but after your review I'm definitely heading over to amazon to get it.

Weirdly enough, I live somewhat like Hazel although certainly not to that extent but having a rare disease with a poor prognosis is depressing and so terrible on family and friends, but most especially my children. If I could spare them the worry and hurt, I'd do anything. I pretend to be ok for them but I think they see right thru it. I do have periods of 'remission' when I can drive, shop, hang out and do normal things but they don't last very long. I've finally said NO to any more invasive procedures and I manage my disease with just medical and holistic interventions.

That's why I think I should read this book, maybe I'll learn something. I am an eternal optimist and I won't let anything get me down.

Geez, sorry for the life story but just reading the synopsis and your review just really hit me.

Oh my gosh- The Fault in Our Stars is the best book I've read this year (so far!). So good, so heartbreaking. I can hardly even think about it without crying! And yes, it's also my new favorite John Green novel. Gah! It's just such an incredible book!

Completely agree with your review...amaaaaaazing book. I still think about it often and I read it a few weeks ago. I've recommended it to just about everyone I know too :) And to those that are nervous to read it because its sad, it's so many other things than that. It's very funny and heartwarming as well. Absolutely worth every single tear and more!

When read at the right moment, John Green books can certainly have an impact in my life. This story sounds particularly poignant and meaningful - plus I'm loving the quotes that everyone has been posting from it! I can't wait to immerse myself in it.